I forgot what I was going to write about…

Memory is odd.

In a way, it’s kind of funny when you hear about people “losing” their glasses, only to realize that they’ve been wearing them all along. “Chuckle, chuckle, yeah, I’ve been there.”

It’s not as funny when you get to a certain age and it starts happening to you.

Alas, I am of such age. Lately, I’m finding myself more scatterbrained. Words don’t come to mind as quickly; I feel like my hard drive is buffering all the time. That’s annoying for anyone, but when you’re standing in front of a room full of people doing a presentation and you go blank, it’s embarrassing.

I find myself using the “find my phone” website more often than I post on social media.

Tablet in hand one moment, and the next second, it’s vanished like a snowflake in the Sahara. Not a trace, nowhere to be found. Rummaging through files, checking my backpack, inspecting bedding; I find squat; zilch, a big zero. Swearing like a drunken sailor, I pull up my computer and impatiently wait for the compass icon to stop swinging, eventually referencing that the tablet is here in my house.

“Where? I’ve looked all over,” I mutter impatiently, as if the computer will patiently reply. Clicking the button, “play sound,” a sonar-like beep reverberates through my office. My treasure was laying on my desk, next to my hard drive, clear as day. As they say, “If it was a snake, it would have bit me.”

It’s not just my iPad; if I don’t put my keys or wallet in the exact same location each time I come home, I can count on the fact that I’ll be searching for hours tomorrow. Since I wear my glasses all the time, I don’t have to worry about losing them – but my wife handles that frustration from her end.

“Have you seen my glasses?” She’ll ask.

“No,” I reply, “But I bet they’re next to my iPad. Find that and you’ll find both.”

Worried about what this portended, I checked out an AARP article: “Warning Signs of Dementia.”

Whew! It turns out this is age appropriate. In case you’re experiencing the same issue, here’s their quiz. Answer each question “yes” or “no.”

Problems with judgment, such as bad financial decisions?

Less interest in hobbies or other activities?

Repeating questions, stories or statements?

Trouble learning how to use a tool or appliance such as a television remote control or microwave?

Forgetting the month or year?

Trouble with complicated financial affairs, such as balancing a checkbook or paying bills?

Trouble remembering appointments?

Daily problems with thinking and memory?

Score 1 for each yes. A score of 2 or more suggests the need for further testing.

Relieved, I was better able to find humor in my absentmindedness.

For example, my wife and I can have an entire conversation without a single pronoun and we’ll each know exactly what we were talking about.

“Hi Honey. I saw your guy today while I was at the store. He said to say ‘Hi’.”

“Which guy?”

“You know, THAT guy, the one we talked to when we were at that place.”

“The place we went to when we went out of town that time?”

“No, the other place, by that statue with that soldier who was being commemorated for something or another, and there was some sort of ceremony.”

“I remember that.”

“Anyway, he used to be with what’s-her-name.”

“Wow! They’re not together anymore?”

“No, they split up. You wouldn’t believe who she’s with now!”

“Really? Who?”

“The other dude; the one with the thing. Remember, he used to show it off to everyone. It was really annoying.”

“Oh, I remember. Who would think they’d be together? You would have thought she’d be happier with the first guy.”

“Yeah! Right, that’s who I’m talking about.”

“Oh. How’s he doing?”

“Doing well. He said ‘hi.’”

“When you see him again, tell him ‘hi’ back at him.”

“Sure, if I remember.”

About the author: Scott “Q” Marcus is a THINspirational speaker and author. Since losing 70 pounds 23 years ago, he conducts speeches, workshops, and presentations. He also coaches individuals and consults with companies on how to implement and handle change. He can be reached at www.ThisTimeIMeanIt.com or 707.442.6243.